Bongs come in many different shapes, each with its own distinguishing characteristics, features, and functionality. These are some of the basic types of bong shapes:
Straight Tube or Straight Neck Bong. The straight tube or straight neck bong is exactly what it sounds like. It is a very simple, straightforward design that is easy to use and clean.
The Beaker Shaped Bong. The beaker shaped bong takes its name from it’s laboratory look-alike and has a much wider base than the regular straight neck bong, which gives it more stability. It is also easy to use and clean.
The Multi-Chamber or Recycler Bong. The multi-chamber bong, also known as the recycler bong, is a new twist on the old straight neck bong. The straight tube is separated into connected chambers; these chambers have endless variations on size and shape.
Each chamber serves as a filter for the smoke, further cooling it to produce a smoother, more comfortable sensation.
Percolator Bong or Bubbler. The percolator bong, commonly referred to as a bubbler, can come in any shape or size. What makes a bong a bubbler is that there is a piece of glass that dissipates the smoke before it passes through the water.
This is what causes the bubbling or percolating effect giving the apparatus its name. Dispersing the smoke in this way filters it through the water, causing it to be much cooler before it reaches the smoker.